There is a great feeling that comes with country-rock when it is done right, and Sandy Summers hits that mark with her new single, 'Merry-Go-Round Midnight Meet'. The track takes us back to a neon-lit 1980s side-show alley packed with rides like the Zipper and Gravitron and lots of impulsive teenagers. We asked Sandy about the events that contributed to her new release.
"Every year the show rolls into my hometown Cessnock, Australia and it's done so for over 100 years. But when it arrived in 2026 it stirred a memory in me that I had held onto for decades, one I had never really stopped to analyse, share or write about. An encounter that could change the path of my life. Seeing the sight of the carnival setting up this year rekindled memories of a time in my life when multiple decisions were colliding all at once. I'd just left school, obtained my driver's licence, scored a new job at the National Bank & I was very unhappy at home living under strict rules. I desperately wanted to get out & have fun, experience life with my peers, with the "cool kids". I wasn't ready for love to come knocking, but I sure was vulnerable. Each February reminds me of the day my old school friend Jenny said "Hey, the show's in town!". That's where this memory starts and the events of that 80's summer night still linger.
I picked up the phone to Jenny this year and said "Hey, I'm going to write a song about this and you're in it!". We talked about our adventures that night and asked that begging question, what the hell was I thinking? I guess the neon lights, pumping sound systems and risky rides were a place I loved (like all of us), and temptation soon found its way to me in the form of a charismatic side-show alley operator. With winning looks, prize upgrades and elevated charm, he delivered pitch after pitch. As he handed me his prize pink fluffy rabbit he pleaded with me to go on the road with him. His happy go lucky smile and eyes spoke to me in a very convincing way. That's the crazy moment that gives way to this song. Could I really throw everything away and run away to a secret life free of worry? Sometimes we come across people who leave a mark on us, moments in time where life can change in a heartbeat. Memories we never forget. This was one of them."
The arrangement on 'Merry-Go-Round Midnight Meet' captures the high-octane atmosphere of a night at the Show, We asked Sandy Summers how the musicians on the track came together to create the right sound.
"Simon Johnson and his musicians are very talented and incredible to work with. When I first approached Simon in 2023 I was shy about my work. I really lacked confidence yet Simon has turned all of that around. I feel like I can be open and honest about where my songs come from and he gets it. We regularly discuss and share notes about a song prior to studio work. I really don't hold back on any thing that is close to my heart where a song is concerned whether it's embarrassing or not. I look at it as a form of art and so expression is paramount, and I have no difficulty communicating that to Simon. Before we meet in the studio I prepare a simple guide track at home and based on this he prepares charts for his musicians.
I love Simon's approach to recording. I've grown comfortable with the process as I get to form valuable connections with musicians who work alongside each others laying down their instrumentals whilst I sing guide vocals. In the Studio I like to explain what the song is about, why I wrote the song, why I sing the song the way I do. This puts everyone on the same page. Simon knew that this song has a sense of urgency about it, that the lyrics are fast moving to mimic the colliding decisions we have to make as teenagers and that I wanted a song that would put listeners there with me at the carnival amongst that angst. With Simon's pre-prepared charts we all go in for the first run, boots and all! It always goes smoothly, with all credit due to the quality of the musicians involved.
With "Merry-Go-Round Midnight Meet", Simon's first words of encouragement were to drummer Mitch Farmer, inviting Mitch to "own it" kick it off and bring us that sense of urgency and he does it so well! Simon then thumps it out on Bass Guitar as Hunter Beasley is guided to tie it all together on his Xguitar/ bouzouki; Rusty Crook takes the reins like the pro he is with riffs that scream chaos and desperation on his electric; while Liam Kennedy-Clark places his own spin on it with 80's inspired carnival sound key strokes. Of course together we do a number of takes, all the while building momentum & more of a connection to the song. It really is the ideal way to produce music because everyone in the room feels the vibe."
Following an intense songwriting period right after the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Sandy Summers announced plans for her debut album, Summer Glare. Her latest single acts as an anchor for the record's theme of life-defining moments.
"As teenagers we're faced with a myriad of decisions which all seem to demand our attention at once. Finishing school, moving into a new career, pleasing our parents, keeping up with friends, exploring more places with a licence to drive, and yet amongst it all there looms unexpected urgent decisions about love that confront us. It's a hectic period of life when we make so many decisions that shape our future - some that work out beautifully and others that don't. An unsuitable job, a car that's a lemon, words that can't be taken back, and then there are those unexpected moments that can change the direction of everything in a heartbeat. "Merry-Go-Round Midnight Meet" is a pivotal track on the album because it's about one of those moments in time where a teenager's decision arrives at an intersection.
A Stop sign or a sign post of life, a fork in the road - where there's a choice to stay the course or take a turn onto another pathway. It's the decision to step away from everything that feels comfortable and make a change. Sometimes that change brings with it high risk and the unknown. We don't always recognise important moments until afterwards. I won't reveal the pathway I take in this song as that would spoil the story, but for me as a teenager standing on the edge of something that seemed incredibly exciting, I didn't fully understand where that pathway might lead. Summer Glare is about looking back on the sign posts of life with clarity that only time and life experience can give us.
I feel like my album asks us to reflect on those moments in life that we were meant to learn from. The important turning points; some that felt warm like the sun, others that carried risk, some that should not have been delayed, some formed from fleeting temptations; and others that perhaps we should have paid more attention to. "Merry-Go-Round Midnight Meet" is about one of those glaringly obvious moments that at the time we may not realise could reshape the pathway ahead."
Sandy Summers stands out in the current country-rock scene because of her technical background. She is an accredited classically trained vocalist, yet her sound comfortably spans alt-country, ballads, and rock. We wanted to know how that formal vocal skills help her with this track.
"I think my classical training has really helped me with this song, especially because the lyrics are faster. Breath control is an important thing for me. I've had to learn how to take those breaths in the right places so I can get through those fast lines without running out of air and save enough power for impacting lines. I enjoy the challenge. It's also important to remember to stay supported when you're singing intensely so I'm sure it's all helped. I've also grown in confidence, willing to step a little further out of my comfort zone and although my voice projection is a huge part of my training, I think perhaps receiving recognition for my music through recent awards, has helped my confidence & strength to grow. So even though this is country rock, the classical training is still definitely there underneath."
Summers is a regular at the SHE Songwriting Retreats, where she co-wrote 'If I Were A River' with 10-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell. We asked how working in those collaborations has shaped her approach for her upcoming album.
"My SHE songwriting experience has definitely helped me when it comes to writing my solo songs for the album. I've not only harnessed a huge amount of inspiration & confidence from attending, but I've bolstered my skills with a clear roadmap to guide my writing. Probably the biggest thing for me was the advice when writing a song; not to worry too much about whether my lyrics might offend anyone in my circle and to focus on writing the truth. Each song I create belongs to me, they are an extension of me, they are my experiences to own. I have lived through them and have the means to share them. I write more fluently when I'm being honest & I feel like that's what country music is all about; being true to yourself & true to your music."
Since debuting in 2023 with 'Jet Lag', her releases have built serious traction on the charts, with 'Too Many Sunsets' hitting the top 10 and 'Like A 70s Day' launching to #2 on the airplay charts. We asked why she thinks her tracks connect well with listeners and radio presenters.
"I'm absolutely lost for words at seeing "Like A 70s Day" debut at #2 on the airplay charts & #1 on Local Sounds Radio! I'm so very grateful to those community radio stations and hosts that have supported me and I'm delighted that the listeners have embraced it so well. If asked what's the secret to having a song that debuted significantly, it's a record for me and I don't really have an answer other than - the only possible reason I can think of is that the subject of my song really hit a chord with hosts & audiences. I couldn't believe I'd been sitting on this song for 10 years but perhaps it's warm reception is also attributed to the resurgence in 70s inspired songs & themes, like Keith Urban's yacht songs & Miranda Lambert's Crisco which I've also thoroughly enjoyed.
I can only draw on the feedback I've had from radio hosts and listeners and I really think it comes down to the personal memories that "Like A 70s Day" evokes. Deep down we all have our own happy childhood experiences, whether they're made in the 70s 80s 90s or beyond, they'll always feel warm like the sun, made in times where adult worries didn't plague us. The song came from a carefree, honest place within me. I wanted it to be a feel-good song and I really think it makes audiences find their feel good place."
Her video projects with Blacklist Productions and Roaming Creatives have earned multiple award nominations, with 'Hell Of A Highway' hitting 10,000 views in its first month alone. We asked if she already has a retro 1980s carnival concept mapped out for the 'Merry-Go-Round Midnight Meet' music video.
"To be honest I don't have a video planned at this stage. I've put most of my energy into making my all originals album, but creatively my mind is always ticking over and I can definitely see a video for this song in my head. I'd love to capture that retro carnival atmosphere but with an 80s twist of course. I can imagine finding some old carnival rides sitting idol in a paddock and filming around them, contrasting that with something much more colorful and action packed - neon lights, movement, maybe some 80s style dancing or a bit of cha-cha, with high hair and midriff tops.
I'd love to bring to life a transition; a dormant carnival ride forgotten wasting away in a paddock - to a nighttime lively scene with the hurricane, dodgems, Wizz fizz and the Gravitron. So I don't have a production mapped out, but I do have a few concepts in mind, including an 80s style "Back to the Future" nod, but I really think that the contrast between the old country carnival wrecks and the bright energetic night scene would fit well into the country music video genre, with dancers of course."
We asked if we offered her offered her a free Gravitron ride every time she released a new single orwould she prefer a free sample bag at the showbag?
"Hey I love this! OK I'm taking the free Gravitron ride! Maybe I can gain some real traction every time I release a NEW single on the Gravitron and you never know where it's going to fling me out. That way I can enjoy a good music playlist while I'm spinning too ... if I chose the show bag, knowing my luck I'd get the wooden spoon - although I did like those "clicky metal beetles" that we used to get in the show bags them back in the day!"
On a more serious note, Summers is widely known around the industry as a fierce advocate for community radio presenters, volunteers, and fellow independent musicians. We asked her on why keeping those grassroots connections alive remains so vital as her profile continues to grow.
"I really think it's important to remember where you came from and who helped you along the way. Community radio presenters are volunteers giving independent artists a voice. They really do keep the wheels turning for independent music. I feel like hosting would be a fun role, although some of the hours they sit behind the microphone are quite intense and we need to show appreciation for what they do. Truth is, my reason for connecting so readily with radio hosts, is because I love music. I love listening to all sorts of music, all different styles of shows and playlists.
I enjoy supporting those who support me. I enjoy delving into my music with radio interviews and I love to hear what's happening in their communities. Socials have made that connection so much easier, along with streaming services. I think supporting community radio is not only the Aussie way, it's the Country way too."
We finished up asking Sandy what she has lined up for the rest of 2026 into the new year, and how listeners can stay tuned to what comes next.
"The remainder of 2026 is pretty exciting for me. My new song will drop SEPT 11 followed by a Christmas song later in the year. I've also got a release strategy in place for a couple of singles leading into 2027 which will make way for debut of my album "Summer Glare" later in the year. I'm really looking forward to seeing where my music takes me. The wheels are always turning and there's plenty happening. The best way to keep up is through social media or my website, www.sandysummersmusic.com
You'll find a link tree (all my links in one place) in my BIO on Facebook, Insta & Tiktok. You can keep up with release dates, check out my videos, listen to playlists and even VOTE for me for upcoming Awards. I love staying connected so please give me a shoutout & tag me when you're listening to Local Sounds Radio where you can check out my Track Profiles and EPK. Thank you to Local Sounds Radio for the amazing support & to SoundVerge for inviting me to participate, Sandy."
Follow Sandy Summers on Local Sounds
https://localsounds.com.au/artist/sandy-summers
SoundVerge Editorial
Independent music journalism
